Former Danbury Mayor Eriquez Serves as Temporary Chair Democratic Convention a Week After Domestic Abuse Arrest

DANBURY, CT — One week after being arrested for the alleged abuse of his wife, Mayor Gene Eriquez opened Monday's Democratic Convention for the 24th District in Danbury at Danbury Democratic Headquarters. Eriquez,who is serving as temporary chair, gaveled in the convention, according to former First Selectman of Bethel Alice Hutchinson.

"As per Party rules, a permanent Chair was elected -with Gary Goncalves assuming the role of Permanent Chair and Dianne Eppinger elected as Secretary of the Convention. The delegates unanimously elected Ken Gucker of Danbury as the candidate to run against incumbent Michael McLachlan," Hutchinson said.

The former Danbury Mayor was arrested at approximately 4 a.m. Sunday, May 15 for domestic violence and was released on a promise to appear, according to The News Times.

Councilman Paul Rotello stated that he was "shocked and disappointed" at Eriquez's presence at the convention last night.

Eriquez stepped down from his position as the city’s leader for the Democratic Party last week in order to "focus on my personal and family issues,” he said at Democratic headquarters last Wednesday.

Image by Al Robinson via Facebook